Glassware lehr construction



D. G. MERRILL 2,079,559

GLASSWARE LEHR CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 5, 1936 y2 Sheets-Sheet l y [n ven tor N oonalez/zz'f A OrZz elys.

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2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 5, 1936 iii d @atented srs llionald G. Merrill, West lllartilord, Genn., assigner to'liartiord-Emplre Company, 'il-ilartilord, Conn, a corporation oil Delawaresipplication February 5, litt, Serial No. 62nd@ A Claims..

Mypresent invention relates to glassware lehr' construction and more particulariy to the construction of a continuous glassware annealing and/,or decorating lehr wherein there is a irebox removably associated with the remainder of the Vlehr structure.

Many glassware annealing lehrs oi the prior( art employ nreboxes associated therewith and below the tunnel portion oi the lehrs in which the rirebox is directly supported upon the floor or base of the lehr as a whole and wherein the lehr tunnel is supported in turn by the flrebox. when the firebox of such a structure expands when it is heated, it will tend to push upwardly theV of the lehr. The mounting of a irebox so that it will be free from the floor or base on which the lehr is mounted and will preferably be sus-s pended from the main structural irarneworl: or structural members oi the lehr is one oi the objects of the present invention. ,Y

.l further object or the present invention is to provide a removable fire boi: in association with a glassware lehr in such manner that the removal and replacement oi the drebos either after repair or by another similar irebox is facilitated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a substantially air-tight seal between a removable lrebox and the contiguous part of the lehr structure, preferably a sand seal.

A further object oi the present invention is to provide in a construction of the type generally above set forth for the supporting of some one or more central portions oi the floor oi the tunnel above the nrebox by pillars or equivalent supporting means extending upward from the removable nrebox, so ascto oiset the tendency oi the tunnel door to sag or collapse under the influence oi' the relatively high heat to which this part of the structure is subjected.

Further end more detailed objects oi' the present invention will become apparent from the following speciiication and appended claims when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which: y

Figure 1 is a view substantially in longitudinal vertical -section and generally diagrammatic showing a portion of a decorating aond annealing lehr embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view principally in side aelevation,` 'but with some parts broken away, illustrating the manner oi' supporting the removable drehen;

and the supports for the center portion oi' the tunnel floor from the ilrebox;

. Fig. d is a composite view in transverse vertical section, the left hand portion being teiten substantially on the line a-b on lig. 3 and the right hand portion substantially on the line c--d of that figure; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detailed view of certain portions of the .supporting means for the removable firebox taken subsmntially on the line iii-5 of Fig. 2 and on an enlarged scale.

While I have chosen for purposes of illustration. to disclose a lehr of'the type used for deedrating and annealing glassware, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to this type of lehr, but may be applied to any type of lehr susceptible of such application, whether the lehr is to be direct fired or mufied, as is the one shown in the accom panying drawings, and whether it is to be used in both decorating and annealing or merely in the annealing of glassware.

l have chosen for purposes of illustration a lehr which is similar to but a slight modication of the decoratinglehr shown and described in the patent to Mulholland, No. 1,793,552, granted March 3l, 1931. It will be understood that any portions oi' the lehr not specically illustrated and described herein may be constructed as disclosed in the Mulholland patent, or in any other usual or desired manner.

Referring first to Fig. 1 of tha accompanying drawings, I have illustrated the forward portion of a decorating and annealing lehr, comf-l upon an endless conveyor t of open work mate` rial, which as shown slides directly on the i'loor thereof, there is illustrated a flrebox 6 having burner openings l therein, preferably one at each end, and laterally offset from one another so that the flame in the lrebox 6 is a swirling one with the burners directed tangentially thereof. Communicating with the rebox` 3 are upper heating flues 8 extending toward the rear of the tunnel and ues 9 extending to the forward or warereceiving end of the tunnel. The exhaust means for the ues 3 are not shown in the drawings, butl may be substantially the same as those of the Mulholland patent above referred to, while the gases passing forwardly through the ues 3 may be exhausted through the conduit I3 under control of `the dampers II. v

Beneath the tunnel and in this instance directly below the firebox 6, there is a firebox generally indicated at I2, this Vrebox being only diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1 and communicating with the lower flue system, including flues I3 leading toward the rear or exit end of the tunnel and ues I@ leading to the forward end of the tunnel. The exhaust from the fines I3 is not illustrated in the present drawings, but may be the same as that disclosed in the Mulholland patent above referred to, while the flues III are shown as exhausted through the passages I5 and exhaust conduit I0 under control' of the damper I3.

'Ihe Structure shown in Fig. l is a portion of a muii'le lehr arranged fordecorating and annealing glassware by providing a zone of increasing temperature between the forward end of the lehr and the reboxes 6 and I2, a zone of maintained high temperature at these fireboxes due to both reboxes being open to the tunnel walls, and a zone of decreasing temperature from the flreboxes to the exit endof the tunnel, which latter zone is preferably controlled as to temperature gradient in a manner not here illustrated.

The remainder of the lehr may be conventional and/or may be constructed as disclosed in the Mulholland patent above referred to, but inasmuch as it has no bearing upon the present invention, it is not disclosed herein. The present invention has to do particularly with the arrangement and support for the lower flrebox generally indicated in Fig. 1 at 12, this construction being shown in detail in Figs. 2 to 5 in the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 5 of theaccompanying drawings, the lehr is mounted upon a structural framework comprising side members shown as I-beams Il extending longitudinally along each side of the lehr and at a level adjacent to that of the floor of the tunnel I, these I-beams being supported at intervals upon suitable pedestals I8 and being connected together at intervals longitudinally of the lehr by transverse structural members I9. The tunnel forming sections 2 are provided with suitable means such as brackets 20 which rest upon the structural members I'I and support the tunnel sections therefrorL Alternatively these tunnel forming sections may be provided with wheels rolling upon rails, which in turn are secured to the structural members Il as shown I n the Mulholland Patent No. 1,560,481, granted Nov. 3, 1925 (sce Figs. 9 and 10 of that patent). In any event, provision is preferably made to allow for the normal expansion of the tunnel in respect toits structural support during the operation thereof. In the lehr construction shown in the accompanying drawings, the

expansion is taken up by permitting a bodily movement of the tunnel in respect to the structural support in both directions from a position adjacent to the rebox Iii, as hereinafter to be described.

At the position of the rebox I2 the longitudinal structural members comprise I-beams 2i at each side of the lehr, which are positioned at a slightly higher level than the members Il, as shown best in Fig, 2, in order to permit of the removal ofthe frebox laterally thereunder as hereinaJer set forth. These members are, however, rigidly connected to the remainder of the structural framework of the lehr, as by bolts 22.

The rebox I2 is built inside its own structural framework, including vertical angle members 23 and horizontal angle members 24% at each side thereof, and transverse channels 25 below the flrebox, These members are Aconnected to form a boxlike frame structure which is completedby plates, preferably of sheet metal including side plates 26, end plates 2l, and a bottom plate 23. Suitably connected to the structural framework of the rebox I2 are a plurality of rollers 23 mounted for free rotation for supporting and guiding the return strand of the conveyor belt 4l as best shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

Within the metallic box-like frame constructed as aforesaid is built up the refractory brick work of the flrebox, including side and end walls Sil and a bottom wall 3i. In each of the end walls, there is located a suitable burner block 32, these burner blocks being arranged as generally described for the burners in the upper firebox 6, that is so that the flames of the burners will be directed tangengtially of the center portion of the vrebox where there will be a swirling type of flame, so as to get uniformity of temperature and 'good mixing of the fuel and air and complete combustion of the fuel. Adjacent to the outside of each of the burner blocks 32 is a suitable bracket 33 upon which any desired type of burners may be mounted for directing flames into the rebox.

Means are provided according to my present invention for suspending the lrebox I2 from the framework of the lehr, that is, from the structural members 2l in the present instance. For this purpose, there are provided a plurality of bolts 3d, 35, 36 and 31 on each side of the flrebox, these bolts being suitably secured to the framework thereof as by nuts 38 and extending upwardly above the level of the top of the members 2l. As shown, bolts 34 to 3l extend freely through vertical bores in brackets 39, which are secured to floor plates 0 of certain of the tunnel sections 2 above the flrebox, the brackets 39 being supported upon the structural members 2i, as best seen in Fig. 5 through adjustable bolts 6I. Surrounding the bolts 36 to 3l above the brackets 39 are compression springs 42, which extend between recesses formed in the brackets and suitable cup washers 43, which are held in place by elongated nuts M for bolts 3ft and 31 and ordinary nuts 45 for bolts 35 and 36. It will be noted that bolts 36 and '3l are considerably longer than are bolts 35 and 36 and that the nuts d4 associated with these long bolts have longr sleeve-like members surrounding the elongated upper ends of the bolts and capped at the'top by Asuitable cap-members 46, which is for a purpose hereinafter to be described in detail.

As seen in Fig. 2, the bracket members 39 through which the bolts 36 pass are located between pairs of angle members W, which are rigidly secured to the structural members ZI. A slight clearance is provided between the bracket mmbers 39 and the associated angle members for convenience in assembly. Due to the fact that the remainder of the brackets 39 are free to slide o'n l nreboir supported, preferably adjacent to its iour aovasse the structuralmembers il and 2l, as are also the remaining portions of the lehr, the' expansion ofthe lehr will take place longitudinally in both directions from the point where bracket members il are located.

l preferably provide between the removable Firebox il and the contiguous portions oi the lehr structure, a means for maintaining this joint substantially air-tight, so as to prevent the un controlled inltration oi atmospheric air into the flue system beneaththe tunnel and the consequent defeat oi accurate temperature regulation. For this purpose, the upper edge portion oi the periphery ci the flreborr is recessed, as shown at dit, liigs. 3 andai. and extending downward into this recess is a flange member dit, which may .he oi sheet metal and which is secured to the frame worlr oi the lehr and unattached to the removable i'lreboir. Attached tothe iireborr outside tho periphery oi the flange member titi is an upstand ing flange portion generally indicated at! dit, which is preferably removably secured to the iire= bou it in any suitable manner, this member or portion bil being also preferably of sheet metal. 'in the 4recess ttl and confined by the member and around both sides oi the depending flange is arrangeda suitable iilling material, such as sand, indicated at iii ier maintaining a tight joint at this point.

a desired operative position by the bolts titl to Sill inclusive and under the control oi the compres= sion oi springs di?, which in turn is controlled bis the adjustment oi the nuts ifi and dit. rThis resilient connection permits the expansion oi' the ilreborr without over-straining or breakage oi any oi the parts.' also, due to the fact that the tire`1 bos: is suspended from the structural members di, the expansion will be downward from these members and there will be no upward displace ment oi the lehr proper upon the expansion oi the tireborr. portions, as would be the case should the .tireioou be mounted upon a solid base and the lehr structure supported thereon.

When it is desired to remove the fireboir til ior repair or replacement, or ior any other pur-s pose, the nuts are nrst removed leaving the corners, by bolts til and il and the nuts and spring associated therewith. at some time, either before or alter this initial step, the conveyor l is parted below the rebon or' adjacent thereto and the ends' moved from position beneath the firebon. Also. it may be desired that some or all the members bd confining the sand oi the seal be detached from the remainder of the firebox, as the configuration oi certain at least of these members as shown in Fig. t may require such detachment. It' is contemplated, however, that these members could be so shaped and arranged in respectirito the rigid portions of the lehr that their' detachment is not required. lt may further be necessary prior to removing the firebox that the A burners (not shown) associated therewith be olisconnected irom their supply pipes -or removed altogether. i

The parte are now in the position for the re= moval of the rebox proper, which is done ilrst by lowering the ilrcbox gradually from its position down to ais/ubjacent support, which in the usual case will be removable rollers (not shown) upon which the hrebox may be rolled laterally away from the lehr. This gradual lowering 'is done by gradually backing ofi the nuts it on bolts til and tl, the elongation o these bolts serving The rlreboir i2 is normally resiliently held in to permit the lowering of the flrebox down onto a suitable subjacent support. When the rebox has been completely lowered and is supported from beneath, the bolts iid and il may be completelyremoved as may also the bolts 3b and 36 on the side of the rebox which is to" pass under the lehr. For this purpose, all these bolts are removably connected to the flrebox as hereinabove Voi the fireborr. This, however, may not be required in the event that the ilrebox is diiierently 'located in respect to these standards or pedestals,

or vice versa. When it is desired to place either the same ilrebolr subsequent to its repair, or some new iireborr in place, the reverse series of operao tions may be carried out and the ilrebox may be elevated to its normal or operative position by the elongated bolts t@ and tl and the nuts dil. rihe sleeves associated with these nuts and the caps il@ thereon lreep the threads oi the long bolts sil and 3l clear of any dirt which might otherwise set on them. Y

ln constructions o this character, particularly where the floor oi the lehr above the :iireborr is subject to the direct heat of the llame of the firebox and wherein this floor is, as in the present lehr here disclosed, of metallic material, it may be desired or necessary to support one or more portions at the center oi the floor plates from below For this purin order to prevent sagging. thereof. pose, l have illustrated pillars b2 'which are preferably mounted in the base or floor lli of the nrebor: as shown, and which extend upward to support the middle portion or portions of the door plates as may be necessary in order to provide a relatively permanent structure. in view or the iact that the ilreboir is resiliently supported at its operative position, the support for the center portions oi the floor plates above the Firebox will also be resilient.

It may be incertain cases at least, that the ilre boa cannot be lowered sufficiently so that upon its lateral removal from beneath the lehr, the pillars its will clear the i-beams or structural members iii. lli this be the case, the i'ircbox can-be moved tar enough out so that access may be had for removing these pillars from one side, whereupon the removal of the iirebox may proceed. The installation oi a new rebox is accomplished in the reverse order ci steps, the pillars being inserted in this event subsequent to the rebox being moved somewhat over half way below the lehr.

`While l have shown and described but one embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made therein and equivalents substituted ior individual portions thereof, as will occur to those skilled in the art. I do not wish to be limited, therefore, except by the scope oi the appended claims, which are to be construed as broadly as the state of the prior art permits. l claim; e

l. Apparatus ior annealing glassware, compris? ing an elongate tunnel, structural supporting members therefor, a flrebox Vfor supplying heat for said tunnel. and resilient means for removably supporting said iireboxfrom said structurel supporting members, whereby to accommodate `emansion and contraction oi' the meboir upon 75 the heating or cooling thereof during the operation of the annealing apparatus.

2. Apparatus for annealing glassware, comprising an elongate tunnel, structural supporting members therefor, a firebox for supplying heat for said tunnel, means for removably supporting said rebox from said structural supporting members including a plurality of threaded bolts extending between said rebox and said supporting members, resilient means interposed between said bolts and said structural supporting members to support said rebox resiliently from said supporting members and thus to permit of expansion and contraction of the firebox in respect to said members, and a sand seal extending entirely around the periphery of the connection between said rebox and the annealing apparatus.

3.y Apparatus for annealing glassware, comprising an elongate tunnel, structural supporting members therefor, a rebox for supplying heat for said tunnel, means for removably suspending said rebox from said structural supporting members including a plurality of threaded bolts extending between said rebox and said structural supporting members, some at least of said bolts extending a material distance beyond their respective connections with the flrebox and said structural members in at least one direction, nuts on said bolts, compression springs interposed betwecn said nuts and said structural supporting members and so arranged that the firebox will be resiliently supported from said members, and a sand seal extending around the periphery of the upper walls of the rebox to effect a substantially,airtight seal between theflrebox and the under portions of the annealing apparatus contiguous therewith.

4. Apparatus for annealing glassware, compris- @brasse ing an elongate' tunnel, structural supporting members therefor, a rebpx for supplying heat for said tunnel, means for resiliently and removably suspending said firebox from said structural supporting members, and a pillar mounted in said rebcx and extending upward to support a centrai portion of the floor of said tunnel above the rebox in the operative position of the latter, whereby said floor portion will be resiliently supported due to the resilient support of said rebox from said structural supporting members.

5. Apparatus for annealing glassware, comprising an elongate tunnel, a muiiie fiue extending longitudinally oiand beneath said tunnel, said flue having a common metallic wall with the iioor of said tunnel, a rebox associated with said ue and located below said tunnel for supplying products of combustion to said iiue, means for removably suspending said firebox from said structural supporting members including a plurality of threaded bolts extending between said rebox and said structural supporting members, some at least of said bolts extending a material distance above said structural supporting members, compression springs on said bolts above said structural members, nuts on said bolts above said springs, a sand seal extending around the periphery of the connection between said firebox and the contiguous portion of the annealing apparatus to provide an air-tight seal between said rebox and said flue, pillars mounted in the bottom of said rebox and extending upward to support central portions of the metallic tunnel bottom above said iirebox and to prevent sagging thereof when said rebox is at its operative position.

DONALD G. MERRILL. 

